Climate Risk Profile: Longreach, NSW
Longreach, NSW, faces increasing risks from bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding is also a concern due to heavy rainfall events. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather conditions in the future.
Is Longreach Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Longreach, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Longreach
Flood
Longreach faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events. The area's flat topography and proximity to waterways contribute to this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Longreach has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Longreach experiences significant heat risk, with high average temperatures during summer and an increasing number of heatwave days. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Longreach is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Longreach
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Longreach experiences significant heat risk, with high average temperatures during summer and an increasing number of heatwave days. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Longreach faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events. The area's flat topography and proximity to waterways contribute to this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
bushfire Risk
Longreach has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and floods.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve building design for heat resilience
Near-termPromote the use of passive cooling techniques, insulation, and reflective materials in new and existing buildings to reduce the impact of heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low to Medium
Learn moreEnhance bushfire preparedness
ImmediateImplement community education programs, improve firebreaks, and ensure adequate water supplies for firefighting to reduce the risk of bushfire damage.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade drainage infrastructure
Near-termInvest in improved drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a community heatwave plan
ImmediateCreate a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing outreach services.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage water-wise gardening and efficient water use to reduce strain on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Longreach's Climate Risk Profile
Longreach, located in western New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for the suburb are rising temperatures, increased bushfire risk, and potential flooding.
The region experiences hot summers, and climate projections indicate that heatwaves will become more frequent and intense. This poses a significant threat to the health of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
The surrounding grasslands and bushland create a high bushfire risk, especially during dry periods. Changes in rainfall patterns and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate this risk, leading to more frequent and severe bushfire events.
Flooding is another concern for Longreach, as heavy rainfall can cause waterways to overflow. While not directly coastal, the area's topography and drainage patterns make it susceptible to flash flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further elevating the flood risk.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing down the pace of climate change. At the local level, measures such as improving building design, enhancing emergency preparedness, and protecting natural ecosystems can help Longreach become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Longreach?
Longreach faces increasing risks from heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the future.
How can I prepare my home for a heatwave in Longreach?
You can prepare your home by installing insulation, using reflective window coverings, and ensuring you have access to air conditioning or a cooling center.
What should I do during a bushfire in Longreach?
During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and protect your property by clearing vegetation and having a bushfire survival plan.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Longreach?
You can find information about flood risks from the local council, the State Emergency Service (SES), and online flood maps.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Longreach?
The council is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check the council website for details.
Are there any grants available for climate adaptation measures in Longreach?
Check the council website and state government websites for information on available grants and funding programs for climate adaptation measures.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Longreach, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections